Maui under flash flood warning

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Maui County as a wet weather system lingers near the eastern end of the state.

At 12:54 a.m. a gauge on Hanawi stream showed a rapid rise above flood stage from heavy rain over the Windward Haleakala slopes.

At 2:18 a.m. gauges continued to report elevated river and stream levels across windward Haleakala slopes. Stationary heavy rain is still falling on already saturated grounds and streams in the area will be susceptible to flash flooding, the weather service said.

Other locations in the warning include Nahiku, Hana, Haikum Kipahulu and Huelo.

The warning is in effect until 4:00 a.m.’

A flood advisory for Hawaii island expired at 5:15 p.m. Sunday.

The National Weather Service posted the advisory at about 3 p.m. after radar showed heavy showers and thunderstorms falling on the Kona slopes of the Big Island from Puuanahulu south to Honaunau. Rainfall rates of 2 inches per hour were observed in Kailua-Kona.

Earlier this morning, forecasters dropped a flood watch for Maui County and a flood advisory for Oahu after persistent heavy rains moved past the islands.

But forecasters say there’s still a chance of brief heavy showers throughout the state.

“The widespread rain from overnight has diminished, and current radar imagery shows more separated showers,” the weather service said in a forecast advisory. “Brief heavy showers are still possible, but persistent/anchored rain is not expected.”

On Maui, firefighters responded to several calls of flooding in Central Maui homes between midnight  and 3:10 a.m., a spokesman said.

The weather service said there were reports flash flooding west of Kahului at about 1 a.m., after about 2 inches of rain fell in an hour.

On Oahu, flooding was reported Saturday and early today in Niu Valley, Waimanalo, Kahului, Kailua, Pearl City, Hanalei and Waikane.

Brown water advisories were issued for Oahu and Kauai (from Nawiliwili to Na Pali) due to storm runoff.

On Oahu Saturday, heavy rains flooded roads, knocked out power and kept Civil Defense personnel and first responders hopping for most of the day.

Just after 9 p.m., police closed Kamehameha Highway in Laie between Kokololio Beach Park and Pounders Beach Park because of downed utility poles.

According to the weather service, the rain was caused by a cold upper-level trough and moist airmass over the state.

Kauai and Oahu spent much of Saturday afternoon and early evening under a flash flood warning.

The weather service recorded rain rates of as much as 2 inches an hour in Windward Oahu and the Koolau mountains. Waiahole Stream rose more than 11 feet during the peak of the downpour in mid-afternoon.

The city Department of Emergency Management reported flood water as deep as 1.5 feet on Kamehameha Highway and Waihee Road.

On Kauai, rising waters prompted the closing of Kuhio Highway in Hanalei. Hanalei Bridge was also closed due to water crossing the roadway. A flooded culvert was also reported on Puuwai Road in Kalaheo.

On Maui, a power outage prompted the closure of Maui Community College.

The bad weather also kept firefighters and lifeguards busy throughout the afternoon.

Around 4 p.m., firefighters were called to assist a group of 12 children who were caught in a fast-moving Kalihi stream. Nine were able to make it out on their own. HFD personnel assisted the other three.

Fire crews also responded to three people pinned in cars throughout the day,

Ocean Safety personnel responded to numerous weather-related situations,  including rescuing a kayaker who ran into trouble near the Mokulua islands.